The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I know how to splice the belt and have already done that but every time I try to put it on it's not tight enough or does not stay. What kind of glue should I use and any techniques for geting it on tight enough because it's really hard for me

Tpapp54321 wrote:I know how to splice the belt and have already done that but every time I try to put it on it's not tight enough or does not stay. What kind of glue should I use and any techniques for geting it on tight enough because it's really hard for me

I always put the belt around all the pulleys on the bottom and mark it on top where I can see it. I don't leave any slack. Then cut it at the correct angle, and just use Elmer's glue. I use a small pair of vice grips, and clamp it at the glue point. Let it set for about 10 minutes or longer. When you put it on, if its to tight, just stretch it. This has always worked for me.

Doesn't the machine have a belt tensioner to take up any slack? All of the Edisons had them, and most of the Columbias. A belt too tight will bog a machine down.

VintageTechnologies wrote:Doesn't the machine have a belt tensioner to take up any slack? All of the Edisons had them, and most of the Columbias. A belt too tight will bog a machine down.

Yes, they do. I wrap the belt around that also. The belt will stretch quite a bit. If its to long, you just have to start over.

Could you send a picture of what that looks like? And how to use it?

Never mind, found it. MAN I have spent 3 days trying to get the belt just right i feel reel stupid know

Actually could someone send me a picture of the inside of a Edison standard model b and parts around the belt pulley,

There is a little spring loaded lever with a brass wheel on the end that pushes in on the belt to keep tension.

I worked on one for a friend several days ago, I don’t have it now to take a picture.